Hôtel de Nell, one of Paris’ worst kept secrets, embodies new nothing-to-prove side of French capital
Central but without the crowds, this achingly hip 33-room property is all clean lines and nice touches – too nice for you, anyway
What is it? Only the worst-kept secret of the 9th arrondissement. Found on the decidedly residential rue du Conservatoire, Hôtel de Nell would be a delightful surprise for anyone who accidentally happened upon it – not that you’ll ever happen upon this place by accident. If you’re stopping by Hôtel de Nell, it’s because you’ve been told to, and probably by someone much trendier than you are.
So where would I find it? Opposite the 19th-century Saint-Eugène-Sainte-Cécile church (where novelist Jules Verne was married, in case you wondered). The 9th is super central for Montmartre, the Louvre and Galeries Lafayette but happily removed from the chaos of visiting crowds; if you’re keen to slip into neighbourhood living, start here.
Describe it to me. Think of it as a sleek, understated glass of water amid … well, Paris. Forget pomp, circumstance and gilded columns: de Nell represents new Paris, international Paris, nothing-to-prove Paris. It’s pared-back interiors, beautifully clean lines and service as smooth as silk. You might almost wonder if you’re still in the French capital, given the dearth of anything remotely Versailles-esque: de Nell’s brand of minimalism is so cool, it’s almost too cool to be cool. Wait a minute – too cool to be cool? You’re definitely in Paris.
I’m not sure I’d feel comfortable in a place like that. You would – the friendly, personalised service here is legendary, and begins in the library-cum-sitting room, where guests check-in. It’s also highly professional – with just 33 rooms, off plush, dimly lit corridors, de Nell is small, but it’s not “boutique”.
The property is run by a hotel group named Charm and More, and really, it has nailed the brief: you’ll find considerate little touches everywhere; we liked the scented dry oil on one’s bed each night, alongside the pillow menu and following day’s weather forecast (printed on neat grey squares and arranged just so) at turndown. Oh – and speaking of turndown, they do a proper job, complete with slippers at the foot of the bed and a chef-prepared treat on your pillow. There’s even a small spa, another rarity among Parisian hotels of this size.
What’s upstairs? Luxe dens of space and light in which raw materials have been fused with a palette of cool neutrals. Japanese-style marble bathtubs, carpets of organic Swedish straw-coloured wool and custom furniture draw inspiration from elegant Zen houses and Scandinavian design – all wrapped up in a French bow.